Entries are officially open for the 2019 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon

By Guy Corr

13 September 2018

The event organisers of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon are delighted to OPEN entries for the 2019 event, celebrating its 38th year on Sunday 5th May. The event was launched this morning (Wednesday 12th September) by David Seaton MBE, Chairman of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon at The Glasshouse, Stormont Cottages.

The largest single participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland is set for a massive year of change with a brand new, flatter and faster route for marathon participants, a new start location on the grounds of the iconic Stormont Estate and history will be made by moving the event to a Sunday for the first time ever. Another first for the event is a modernised registration system using the MyTicket App.

The event returns in 2019 with a full line up of events to suit all levels of fitness including the Marathon and Wheelchair Race, the Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run, all with brand new improved routes. All events will start at Stormont except for the Fun Run which will start and finish at Ormeau Park.

David Seaton MBE, Chairman of the Belfast City Marathon organising committee, commented:

“Few of us involved in the inaugural event in 1982 could have imagined that the Belfast City Marathon would still be in existence some 37 years later, albeit in a slightly different and more inclusive format. May 2019 will see us break with tradition as we unveil and explore a fresh 26 miles 385 yards route in and around Belfast and deliver the competition on a Sunday. These are two major changes which we hope will result in greater participation numbers and add to the enjoyment of the athletes and spectators alike.”

Assisting the Chairman with the launch at The Glasshouse, Stormont Cottages, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown commented:

“The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is entering a new era changing its route and day of running from Bank holiday Monday to Sunday but I have every confidence that the changes will boost its ongoing success as it brings Belfast’s marathon in line with other major European and Global runs.

“Our marathon is regarded as one of the world’s friendliest and I know there will be plenty of people out supporting the runners taking part - I know I am looking forward to offering my support on the day,” he added.

The Chairman further commented:

“This prestigious international event would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors and supporters, and I wish to highlight our long standing association with Belfast City Council and Deep River Rock. I also want to make mention of the excellent working relationship we enjoy with the PSNI which has supported the occasion since its inception and without its help the race could not take place.

“I have a feeling of excitement as we explore this new sporting ground and look forward to helping deliver a memorable day’s competition at what is Northern Ireland’s biggest mass participation sporting event.”

The event organisers would also like to thank all sponsors and partners for their support in 2019.

Hannah Jess from Deep RiverRock said;

"As Northern Ireland’s favourite water brand, Deep RiverRock is delighted to continue its long standing partnership with Belfast City Marathon in May 2019.

“With a shared vision to encourage more people to lead active and hydrated lifestyles, Deep RiverRock’s partnership with Belfast City Marathon is a perfect fit. Deep RiverRock is proud to be associated with such a world class event that resonates so well with the local community and as a company we are honoured to have played a part in the success of what is now a key event in Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar.”

The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is also delighted to reveal it will be partnering with not just one charity this year but five, all very different and important local charities including: Belfast Arthroplasty Research Trust (BART); Cancer Focus NI; Stroke Association; Air Ambulance NI and Action Mental Health. Entrants can choose to fundraise for any of the official charities when registering for the 2019 events. Full details of all our charities will be showcased in the coming weeks.

Entries are NOW OPEN at www.belfastcitymarathon.com via the brand new MyTicket App. An early rate will apply until 31st October 2018. Details of the 2019 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon route can be found here also.